Senior System Architect SME

General Dynamics Information Technology • Springfield, VA

6d • $164,687 - $222,813 • Onsite

About The Position

GDIT is seeking an experienced software and systems professional to serve as Senior System Architect SME in Springfield, Virginia. The role supports national-security programs and calls for deep technical expertise, leadership, and a U.S.-issued Top Secret clearance with SCI and CI Poly eligibility. The architect designs secure information-sharing platforms integrating multi-petabyte storage, high-performance data ingestion pipelines, and NITF-compatible imaging applications. The role also delivers modern frontend experiences and Java-based backend services, RESTful APIs, high-performance storage, and image-format conversion software.

As a senior technical advisor, the architect guides program management on enterprise modernization and cloud migration strategies, collaborates across IT engineering disciplines, develops DoDAF artifacts, and supports formal Government design reviews. The position also manages hardware and software refresh planning, end-of-life tracking, cost estimates, and 180-day advance alerts for affected items.

The position is onsite in Springfield, VA, with 31 scheduled weekly hours and no travel required. The stated likely salary range is $164,687–$222,813, with actual compensation dependent on experience, location, and contractual requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 20 years of progressive systems engineering or software development experience.
• Experience as a senior advisor or chief architect guiding program and executive leadership on technology strategy.
• Hands-on experience delivering Java, Spring Boot, and Hibernate web applications, including framework upgrades.
• Strong background building RESTful APIs and data integration pipelines using Java technologies, servlet, WebLogic, and .NET Framework.
• Exposure to virtualized environments including VMware vSphere, VMCP, XEN/XCP-NG, or Microsoft Hyper-V.
• DoD 8570/DoDI 8140 IAT Level-II certification; Security+ CE is an acceptable baseline.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps toolchains, and enterprise architecture artifacts used in formal design reviews.
• Ability to work in Red Hat Enterprise Linux or Windows Server environments to meet DISA STIG compliance requirements.
• Shell/Bash scripting experience for automation on both operating system platforms.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must currently possess Top Secret/SCI clearance and be eligible for Top Secret SCI plus polygraph.

Nice To Haves

• Prior exposure to Defense Threat Reduction Agency-type Intelligence Community programs, particularly DIAMONDS concepts and secure high-assurance storage for imagery analysis.
• Experience building NITF or other geospatial data-processing pipelines.
• Experience delivering modern C++ solutions similar to Gigapixel Image Explorer, with a focus on performance tuning and user experience.
• Background in security engineering, including threat modeling, countermeasure development, and hands-on problem resolution for national-scope customers.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver secure information-sharing platforms integrating multi-petabyte storage, high-performance data ingestion pipelines, and NITF-compatible imaging applications.
• Build frontend applications using Vue, React, or Angular and backend services using Java, Spring Boot, Hibernate, or equivalent technologies.
• Expose functionality through RESTful APIs to integrate heterogeneous data sources, including tools similar to Gigapixel Image Explorer.
• Create and maintain high-performance storage solutions and develop software to convert diverse image formats into standardized workflows.
• Advise program management on enterprise modernization strategies, including cloud migration, and collaborate across IT engineering disciplines.
• Develop DoDAF artifacts for network, host, workstation, and database systems and support formal Government design reviews.
• Manage hardware and software refresh planning, end-of-life tracking, and cost estimation, and issue 180-day advance alerts for affected items.
• Perform scripting and automation tasks on Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows Server platforms.

Benefits

• Medical plan options, including plans with Health Savings Accounts.
• Dental plan options.
• Vision plan.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Full flex work weeks where possible.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, and paid parental, military, bereavement, and jury duty leave.
• Short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness, and business travel and accident insurance.
• Paid certifications and continued professional growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior